Physical Rehabilitation: Assessment and Treatment, 2nd ed.

Physical Rehabilitation: Assessment and Treatment, ed 2 Edited by O'Sullivan SB, Schmit TJ. Philadelphia, PA 19103, F A Davis Co, 1988, cloth, 683 pp, illus, $44

The editors state in the preface of this book that their goal in undertaking a second edition "was to develop a comprehensive textbook offering state-of-the-art perspectives on the rehabilitation management of adult patients." The intended primary audience is students, but the editors acknowledge that the book also may be useful to practicing clinicians.

The book begins with three chapters that provide a general framework for the material that follows. The chapters cover clinical decision making, psychological adjustment to disability, and influence of values on patient care. The remaining 27 chapters cover assessment techniques (eg, functional assessment), treatment approaches (eg, gait training), a combination of assessment and treatment (eg, prosthetic assessment and management), and specific categories of patients (eg, persons who have traumatic spinal cord injury).

Despite the book's many chapters and its lengthiness, it is by no means comprehensive. Major relevant assessment techniques, such as those used for range of motion and strength, are excluded. Also omitted are general reviews of exercises for increasing ROM and strength. Diagnostic groups of major importance to therapists in rehabilitation are not included. A prime example is the diagnostic group involving low back pain. Some of the topics covered in specific chapters are not addressed comprehensively. For example, specific information could be added to the chapters on vital signs and gait analysis.

Despite the aforementioned content limitations that may make it necessary for students to purchase supplemental texts, the book is excellent in presentation. The text is organized effectively and consistently throughout. The illustrations are very good. Each chapter has learning objectives, an introduction, study questions, a summary, a glossary of terms, references, and supplemental reading lists.

Considering the amount of material that it includes, the book is reasonably priced. I recommend its purchase; however, it should not be the sole text used by students, because their requirements for information will surpass the breadth and depth of this book.